A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE North Augusta High SCHOOL boys golf TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR A REMARKABLE SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the North Augusta golf team of Aiken County captured the state trophy at The River Golf Club on Tuesday, May 16, 2023; and

Whereas, after two years of runner-up finishes to rival A.C. Flora High School, the North Augusta Yellow Jackets bested the Falcons by 22 shots this year to claim the state title with a score of 553, the second best score in state history; and

Whereas, alone at the top of state rankings for almost the entire season, the Yellow Jackets played for the coveted title on their home course, giving them added encouragement to win the state trophy; and

Whereas, after North Augusta set a blistering pace on day one, the team took a sizeable lead in the first round with all four counting scores being under par. The Yellow Jackets carried a 14-shot lead into day two and again posted the best score in the field to claim the program's first boys' state title in forty years; and

Whereas, Yellow Jacket senior Davis Neal took an individual title by beating his challenger in a sudden-death playoff, who posted a 6-under par 65.  Classmate Matthew Baxley, named to the All-State team for the third consecutive year, scored a 71, and first round co-leader Luke Johnson and Region 4-AAAA medalist Jackson Beggs each added 72; and

Whereas, of the eight scores counted across two days for North Augusta, only two were over par, and those were both only one over.  All five players finished in the top twenty individually; and

Whereas, in a sport that demands strategy, versatility, and measured strength, Head Coach Travis Spears and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic experience and training to build a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the greens and fairways; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the pride and recognition that the North Augusta golfers have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the North Augusta High School boys golf team, coaches, and school officials for a remarkable season and congratulate them for winning the 2023 South Carolina Class AAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal John Murphy and Coach Travis Spears.

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